Best start for future generations

Theresa May said: ‘International Women’s Day is an excellent opportunity to highlight the many ways women are making a positive impact in this country and around the world. However more needs to be done ensure that we provide the best possible start for future generations.

‘I want to see an end to all forms of violence against women and girls. Our comprehensive and detailed action plan sets out how we are going to tackle these crimes - supporting those at risk, helping victims and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.

‘Most importantly we need to prevent these crimes occurring in the first place. That is why we are challenging, and where necessary working to change, attitudes and behaviours.’

Funding until 2015

The detailed action plan follows the announcement of £28m of Home Office funding until 2015 for tackling violence against women and girls.

Separately, the Ministry of Justice has announced more than £10.5m of funding for three years for rape crisis services.